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This should be a bigger deal · by Sach O
A new Ohword approved rap album you can enjoy.
While the two greatest battles since Jay-Z vs. Nas rage on, the internet seems to be more or less ignoring the impending release of Ultimate Force’s I’m not Playin.
Ultimate what now?
In case you don’t read Cold Rocked da Spot who first (ahem) spotted this, Ultimate Force was Diamond D’s original project with emcee Master Rob. The group was notable for their Strong City single I’m not Playin and their album of the same name was set for release in 1989 but never made it to the shelves for some reason. It’s been in limbo ever since but now thanks to the purchasing power of bitter boom-bap dinos, it’s finally seeing the light of day. Now I know what you’re thinking: great, another mediocre demo tape from the 80’s that’ll be put on a pedestal and hailed as some unreleased classic for a few months until everyone forgets about it and goes back to bumping Jeezy mixtapes.
In some cases you’d be right; in this case you’re wrong. Far from a half-baked collection of early tracks, I’m not Playin sounds just as professional, innovative and unique as any other album from its era and it’s hard not to wonder just how important this release would have been had it seen the light of day in 89. Master Rob isn’t quite Kane, Rakim or Slick Rick on the mic but his amiable mix of Bronx boasting, smooth macking and light hearted storytelling is endearing all the same. Think a tougher CL Smooth. Joints like I Gotta Go predate Diamond’s own Outta Here and Revolution of the Mind is a sloganeering political joint that isn’t all that educational but makes up for it in sheer catchiness. Throw in some ill battle rhymes plus guest spots by a young fast rapping Fat Joe and you’ve got a complete rapping experience frozen in carbonite Han Solo style.
But let’s be real, the genuine jaw-dropping heat comes courtesy of the incomparable Supreme DJ Diamond D. Developed at a crucial point in time when the James Brown craze was winding down but before legal issues made obscure sample sources essential, the album’s beats hit a perfect sweet spot. Clearly influenced by Jazzy Jay, Ced Gee and the whole Bronx school of beatmaking, the beats are funky and rooted in the classic break aesthetic with plenty of scratching but just as Public Enemy was taking noise to new heights and Prince Paul was getting alternative with it, Diamond was freaking the SP in his own unique way. From Dionne Warwick to Marvin Gaye, he drops in tuneful melodic material that’s harder than the bohemian Native Tongues style but more adventurous than your average beatsmith. You can practically see the DITC aesthetic come together as Diamond pieces together the formula full of hard drums, funky licks and displaced melodies that would define hardcore New York Hip Hop for the next decade. Oh, and then there’s the DJ track: I won’t spoil the surprise but it suffices to say that this is no Chinese Arithmetic. All hyperbole aside, this record is enough to warrant a reappraisal of Diamond’s place in rap history. Sure Diamond got nuff props and respect, but Premo, Pete Rock, Large Professor and Prince Paul would have been a tad more nervous had this gem hit the record stores on time. It’s that good.
While I’m not one to take a stand against file sharing, I suggest actually purchasing this album when it’s released. Both Diamond and Master Rob are involved in the release and will see dough from it, it comes with a second CD containing full acappellas and instrumentals and Hip Hop scribe Brian Coleman will be providing the liner notes explaining the album’s history. Factor in the fact that the internet hates everything this year and you have no excuse not to make this your trend-bucking music purchase this year.
Comments for "This should be a bigger deal"
ha ha what’s the ‘ahem’ all about? and it’s cold rock da spot…but I appreicate the link and mention a lot
peace and hell yeah man, kids need to buy this, I have mine ordered and it’s going to cost a bit on import but it’s so worth it…hopefully we may get too see the Wascals album soon
peace
— Jaz Mar 7, 05:04 PM
Thanks for the heads-up.
In re: to obscure sampling: I’ve always felt that producers started seeking out obscure samples in order to ensure original material. I’ve never heard anyone site legal reasoning for the initial obscure-seeking behavior.
It’s an interesting thought, but the copyright infringement cases didn’t really start gaining any traction until about 92ish…if memory serves correct…
— R Mar 8, 07:41 AM
Acquiring this was only a dream until now… thanks for the heads up, Sach.
— floodwatch Mar 8, 08:53 AM
I’m all about buying this but shit, $18.98, are those bitches at Amazon fucking crazy?
— DJ Flash Mar 11, 07:56 AM